A Few Young Vikings Got Their Chances to Shine in Week 10
The Minnesota Vikings came into Week 10 riding on a four-game winning streak with a game against the New Orleans Saints looming.
Early on, it seemed like Minnesota would be able to just cruise to a win as they entered halftime with a 24-3 lead, but per usual, nothing can be quite normal when these two teams meet.
The Saints came roaring back in the second half by scoring 16 of the next 19 points, but some strong defense from the Vikings down the stretch gave them a 27-19 win over New Orleans. During the game, a few young Vikings finally got their chances to shine, and these performances proved necessary in Minnesota’s latest win.
A Few Young Vikings Got Their Chances to Shine in Week 10
Ty Chandler
With the Vikings losing Cam Akers to a season-ending Achilles tear, one of the questions on everyone’s minds heading into Week 10 was who exactly would take on that RB2 role in Minnesota’s offense.
Well, not only did Ty Chandler take on the RB2 role, but he actually led the Vikings offense in carries on Sunday. The second-year RB had 15 carries for 45 yards, and he scored his first NFL touchdown by carrying in a two-yard direct snap near the goal line.
He very nearly had another score later in the game, but it was called back due to a holding penalty. Regardless, Chandler provided a much-needed burst in Minnesota’s backfield, and he showed why he needs to get more carries as the season goes on.
Mekhi Blackmon
For the Vikings secondary, Brian Flores has done a great job of mixing in some of the young players all season. Mekhi Blackmon was the guy to step up in Week 10, and he delivered with a crucial interception during the fourth quarter to help stave off a Saints comeback.
The third-round pick has has made a few strong plays over the past few weeks, and hopefully, this is a sign of more good things to come.
Jalen Nailor
For the first time all season, WR Jalen Nailor was available to take snaps with the offense. The speedster showed signs of promise down the stretch of his rookie season, but injuries to begin the year have derailed that progress a bit.
Nailor got back on track in Week 10 by getting involved in the offense and hauling in a nifty 16-yard pass to help set up a second-half field goal attempt. It was the Vikings’ only score of the second half. With Justin Jefferson and K.J. Osborn potentially set to return in Week 11 against the Broncos, it seems like Minnesota’s WR room is getting back to full strength at the perfect time.
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Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
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